Adapting to New Landscapes

Teaching Your Teen to Drive

Mountain driving

Some hazards you should be aware of are steep hills, changing weather, wildlife, and rocks in the roadway. If your vehicle experiences difficulty traveling up steep roadways, pull off the road at the first place you may do so safely, or stay in the right lane to allow other vehicles to pass. Here are some added tips:

Pay special attention to speed limit signs and warning signs, such as those warning of curves, steep hills, or other hazards.

Watch for bicyclists near the right edge of the road.

Use lower gear to control speeds while going up or down long, steep hills.

You must yield to vehicles going uphill if you are traveling downhill on a narrow road.

Do not coast downhill by shifting into neutral or disengaging the clutch.

The higher the altitude, the less oxygen there is in the air. Some people may react to the decrease in oxygen. They may develop mild symptoms, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. Remember, insufficient hydration can lead to the onset of symptoms of altitude sickness. Even if they are mild, they can affect your alertness as a driver.

Rural driving

When driving in rural or country areas, there are a number of special situations that require attention. Watch for driveways, farm equipment, railroad crossings that might not be marked, and bridges that are narrow and poorly surfaced. Some intersections may be hidden by trees, brush, and crops. Animals often are found wandering along the roadway. Extra care and slower speeds should be used when driving on gravel roads because of the reduced traction due to the road surface. The road surface can be affected by loose gravel, slippery conditions after rain or snow, ruts in the driving lanes, and washboard conditions. When approaching oncoming vehicles, watch for soft shoulders or the absence of shoulders.

Safety around snowplows

Give snowplows room to work: The plows are wide and can cross the center line or shoulder.

Do not tailgate and avoid passing, especially on the right: If you must pass, be extremely cautious and beware of the snow cloud.

Keep your distance and watch for sudden stops and turns: A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they don’t always see you.

Note: Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles do not stop faster on ice and snow than two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles. The heavier the vehicle, the longer it takes to stop, no matter how many drive wheels.

Course of Action

After becoming proficient in basic driving skills, teens can become overconfident and begin to drive faster, follow other cars more closely, brake abruptly, etc. Gently and continuously remind your teen to stay two seconds back from other vehicles and always drive with caution.